Los Angeles Rookie Adou Thiero Cleared for Live Contact Work
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The Los Angeles Lakers announced that first-year forward Adou Thiero has been approved for live, on-court contact drills as he continues to rehabilitate a knee injury.
According to the team, the next phase of Thiero’s progression will involve full five-on-five sessions. He is expected to be folded into Lakers practices over the next week, including workouts with the organization’s G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.
Thiero sustained the knee injury late in his final season at Arkansas. Although he returned for the NCAA Tournament, he was not fully healthy and subsequently underwent a procedure that sidelined him for Summer League and the opening of training camp. The medical staff has taken a cautious approach, and the club reports no setbacks to date. If his recovery stays on schedule, game action could come as early as next month.
Los Angeles targeted Thiero’s long-term upside in the 2025 NBA Draft, trading up twice to secure the athletic 6-foot-7 wing. Scouts cited concerns about his perimeter shooting, but he tested as one of the elite athletes in the class and projects as a high-energy defender.
The Lakers’ injury list has grown early in the regular season. LeBron James (sciatica) and Luka Dončić (finger) remain out, while Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent are also unavailable. Jaxson Hayes recently returned against the Minnesota Timberwolves, forcing Los Angeles to lean on younger players such as Nick Smith Jr. and Bronny James for significant minutes.
Thiero has indicated he is open to spending time in the G League to accelerate his development. Additional reps with South Bay could prepare him for a larger role with the parent club once he is fully cleared.
Source: LakersNation
